The former Mayor of Stratford, Cyril Bennis, has been fighting to get the conveniences in Town Square Shopping Centre made available for public use.

He collected a 1,000-signature petition, and threatened a six-hour sit-down protest outside the London headquarters of the leaseholders.

Councillor Bennis officially opens the toilets on Wednesday.

I suppose I'll be remembered by some as the former mayor who sat on the toilet Cyril Bennis

The Town Square Shopping Centre opened in 2002 as a redevelopment of the former Bell Court centre, but with the toilets remaining locked.

In February 2005 Mr Bennis staged a sit-down protest on a lavatory bowl outside the centre.

He planned to repeat the stunt at the headquarters of Town Square Shopping Centre's owner, London & Regional Properties, but called it off following the decision to open the toilets.

"I was ready to go with my toilet on the train from Stratford to Bond Street, to sit outside for six hours," Mr Bennis told BBC News.

"In some ways I'm disappointed because I was looking forward to my journey with my Thomas Crapper toilet to give them a piece of my mind."

'Advanced toilets'

Gary Thompson, the shopping centre manager, told BBC News there was uncertainty between London & Regional Properties and Stratford's town and district councils over who would be responsible for cleaning and maintenance.

"But that's now been resolved, and we'll have the cleanest and most advanced toilets in the Stratford area," said Mr Thompson.

"It really is wonderful news," said Mr Bennis.

"Somebody said to me they're going to write to the Queen to recommend me for the Order of the Bath for my duty to public toilets.

"For all the things I've done in this town, I suppose I'll be remembered by some as the former mayor who sat on the toilet."